Abstract
Authors examined 1,015 middle school students’ knowledge of autism using a single item of prior awareness and a 10-item Knowledge of Autism (KOA) scale. The KOA scale was designed to assess students’ knowledge of the course, etiology, and symptoms associated with autism. Less than half of students (46.1%) reported having heard of autism; however, most students correctly responded that autism was a chronic condition that was not communicable. Students reporting prior awareness of autism scored higher on 9 of 10 KOA scale items when compared to their naïve counterparts. Prior awareness of autism and KOA scores also differed across schools. A more detailed understanding of developmental changes in students’ knowledge of autism should improve peer educational interventions.
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This research was supported in part by a grant from the Organization for Autism Research Foundation.
Appendix A
Appendix A
Knowledge of Autism Questionnaire
What is Autism?
We would like to know what you know about autism. Please answer the following questions using true or false. If you believe the statement is true, please circle T. If you believe the statement is false, please circle F. Even if you are not sure of the answer, please answer all the questions as best as you can.
T | F | 1. | If someone has autism, it only lasts for about a week. |
T | F | 2. | Students with autism often have a difficult time looking at other people. |
T | F | 3. | Autism does not affect a person’s brain. |
T | F | 4. | Students with autism cannot do normal activities that other people can do, even with help from another person. |
T | F | 5. | Students with autism sometimes repeat what is said to them. |
T | F | 6. | Students with autism sometimes rock back and forth and wave their hands around. |
T | F | 7. | Some students with autism might have trouble talking or expressing themselves. |
T | F | 8. | Students with autism do not have difficulty changing activities and can easily move from one activity to another. |
T | F | 9. | Sometimes students with autism need extra help to learn how to read and write. |
T | F | 10. | You can catch autism by spending time with someone who has it, like you can catch a cold. |
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Campbell, J.M., Barger, B.D. Middle School Students’ Knowledge of Autism. J Autism Dev Disord 41, 732–740 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-010-1092-x
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-010-1092-x